Several symptoms / do they add together or are they different conditions

[HazelH]

I am 53 years old and some what active.  I have several issues that I feel only would not cause me any concerns but, happening all at the same time cause me to ask questions.
Cramps in legs, more so in calf of both legs, but worse in left leg.  Cramps in both feet and all toes, at times causing the toes to curl under, mostly the two toes just next to the big toe. Cramps in the instep area also.  Heat will sometimes help, the legs feel cold and achy.
My wrists ache more than usual.
My hair is very dry and brittle, which it never has been and the texture and nature has changed. (was very curly now just frizzy)
The skin under all my fingernails starting at the nail bed has a very light fleshy color and as it nears the end of the finder has a red line that turns even a deeper red as the nail extends beyond the end of the finger.  The end of the nail is white.  The ring fingernails are flat and the middle fingernails are flat to start with and then turn under in a wavy motion. The index fingernails have begun to get a small wave to the end and begin to turn under in the last few weeks.
I have Hypothyroidism that is being treated and according to my last blood work 8/25/08 is triiodothyronine, free serum 2.8 pg/ml (32.0 - 100.0) FT4 - AL 0.74ng/dl (0.70-1.55 ng/dl)  and TSH-AK 0.53 uIU/ml (0.25-5.01 uIU/ml). armour Thyroid
I also have Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue which I have under control with, trazodone, cyclobenzaprine, Topamax
I have high trigylcerides which is being treated with Tricor. My last Cholestrol test was in 2006, trigy. 67 (<150 MG/DL)
Cholestrerol total 179 (or= 40 MG/DL), LDL 95 (<150 MG/DL)  Ratio 2.5 (<4.4 calc)
I also have a lot of allergies and asthma which are treated and mostly under control.
Can you help me with this?

[HazelH]

Thank you, your information was helpful and I will keep you informed.  I haven't had my Cholestrerol checked since 2006.  I may call my doctor and talk to him about doing this blood test and these other issues and see if he wants to do other testing.  I just thought things were getting a little strange and not sure if there was something I should ask the doctor about.
You have been helpful.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Some of the important causes of leg cramps are overextension of the muscles,overweight,prolonged standing during the day,dehydration, alterations in the balance of salts in the bloodstream (such as a high or low sodium,calcium or potassium level),neuropathy(esp in diabetes),hypothyroidism,peripheral vascular disease(narrowing of the leg arteries which causes poor circulation),sarcoidosis,excess alcohol,nerve compression, and sometimes liver disease.

Some of these causes like dehydration,being overweight,alcohol intake and prolonged standing are modifiable by efforts of the patient. Stretching and massaging the affected muscle (usually a calf muscle) can usually relieve an attack of cramp. A painkiller such as paracetamol may help to ease muscle discomfort and tenderness that sometimes persists for up to 24 hours after a cramp has gone.

You are also having hypothyroidism which can relate to cramps in muscles as well as drying and brittleness of hair.
The changes in your nails i.e red line can be due to Lupus or connective tissue disease and the wavy pattern or indentation of the nails can be attributed to Psoriasis or inflammatory arthritis.

To sum up, the possibilities for your symptoms can be due to hypothyroidism,Connective tissue disorder or arthritis.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing and if you have any additional queries.